Margaret Harrington

Margaret (“Peg”) Phillips Harrington was born in Fairport, NY on August 25, 1928 and died on April 20, 2023, in Columbus, OH at 94 years of age. She was the youngest of three children born to Kenneth and Grace (Pitney) Phillips. Peg’s older siblings were Arthur and Gertrude (“Sue”). When Peg was born, the family resided in an apartment on the second floor at 40 North Main Street. Ken ran his business, The Fairport Hatchery, out of the storefront downstairs. Prior to the hatchery, Ken’s mother, Aldah Haggerty Phillips, operated a dry goods store out of 40 North Main. Ken initially shared the storefront space with her; later, after Aldah retired, he took over all of the space for his growing hatchery business. The young Phillips family eventually moved to 696 West Whitney Road to give the three Phillips children a yard to play in.

Peg attended the Fairport schools throughout her early life. During her years at Fairport High School, she was a majorette in the marching band. Upon graduation, she attended Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, graduating in 1953 with a bachelor of arts. While at Marietta, she met William Harrington, her classmate and future husband. Bill became an attorney and book author, who went on to publish 25 novels. The couple was married in 1953 and settled in Columbus. They later divorced.

Peg’s life passion was music, a passion imparted from her mother. Grace was an excellent organist and classical pianist. Grace was the organist for the First United Methodist Church of Fairport for several decades. Peg took to piano and violin, becoming quite accomplished in both. Peg, Grace and Sue loved to play trios, with Peg on the violin, Grace on the piano and Sue on the ‘cello.

Peg lived in Columbus for her entire adult years and was very active on the music scene. She was first chair, violin, for the Mid-Ohio Symphony Orchestra, the Columbus Women’s Orchestra/Women in Music Columbus, the Licking County Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Women’s Symphony. She also sang with several choral groups. She attended Interlochen Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan for many summers. In addition to music, Peg was quite creative. She liked to sew, needlepoint, paint and draw. Finally, she had a love of photography, taking many pictures throughout her life, especially of flowers and nature. 

Peg was predeceased by her parents, brother and sister. She is survived by a nephew, William Kenneth Albert of Decatur, IL., and two nieces, Heidi Albert Gilmore (Jack) of Millis, MA. and Karen Albert Gardner (Steve) of Wynnewood, PA. She also has seven great nieces and great nephews. 

A celebration of Peg’s life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Fairport on Saturday, August 19, at 1:00pm. All are welcome to attend. Following the service, her ashes will be interred at White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford.

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